
QRDI Council award 30 proposals for six Rapid Research Calls
Dr. Omar Boukhris, Director of National Research Program at QRDI Council said: 'We look forward to the outcomes of these initiatives and their impact on shaping the nation's future. These collaborations are a clear reflection of QRDI Council's commitment to advancing toward Qatar's National Vision 2030. We will continue to champion and support research that drives innovative, practical solutions for the country's long-term growth.'
The six Rapid Research Calls, along with their awarded institutions and host partners, are as follows:
Education Above All: Life-Long Education Call (LiLEC)
Awarded Institutions: Georgetown University in Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation, and Northwestern University in Qatar.
This initiative focuses on creating an environment that supports lifelong learning by transforming education systems, improving policies, and encouraging workforce development. The goal is to enhance economic resilience and empower individuals through education.
Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA): Modernizing Charitable Sector Call (MCSC)
Awarded Institutions: Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Northwestern University in Qatar, and Qatar University.
This call aims to strengthen Qatar's charitable and humanitarian sectors by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to improve performance and efficiency. It also looks to introduce innovative approaches to make humanitarian and developmental work more impactful.
Qatar National Library (QNL): Preserving Qatar's Heritage Call (PQHC)
Awarded Institutions: Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Qatar University.
This project is dedicated to building a sustainable heritage sector that preserves Qatar's cultural legacy for future generations. By developing resilient strategies, it ensures the protection and promotion of the nation's rich history.
Scientific Research Programs Office: Pathways Toward Prosperity (PTP)
Awarded Institutions: Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar University, and the University of Doha for Science and Technology.
This initiative addresses critical national priorities to support Qatar's sustainable development and economic growth. It focuses on identifying pathways to prosperity by tackling key challenges and promoting innovation.
Qatar Airways: Qatar Logistics and Transportation Call (QLTC)
Awarded Institutions: Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar University, and the University of Doha for Science and Technology.
This call aims to develop a sustainable logistics and transportation sector that contributes to Qatar's prosperity. A particular focus is placed on advancing solutions for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to promote environmentally friendly practices in aviation.
Ministry of Public Health (MoPH): Road to BioPharma Call (RTBC)
Awarded Institutions: Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar University, and Sidra Medicine.
This initiative seeks to establish a regulatory framework that encourages innovation in biopharmaceuticals. It also aims to improve access to high-quality medicines, contributing to better healthcare outcomes for Qatar's population.
By addressing pressing challenges and utilizing the power of strategic partnerships, these research projects highlight Qatar's commitment to building a diversified, knowledge-based economy. These awards reflect the Council's dedication to empowering researchers, strengthening institutional capabilities, and driving forward Qatar's ambition to become a global leader in research, development, and innovation.
About QRDI Council
QRDI Council is a government entity with the mission to support research, development and innovation (RDI) activities as well as to develop RDI talent in Qatar. The Council strives to make Qatar a top destination for global talent and a pioneering research, innovation, and development hub with its motto 'locally empowered, globally connected'. Playing a pivotal role within the Qatar National Development Strategy, the QRDI Council is actively shaping the Innovation component of the Economic Diversification goal. The Council's commitment underlines its unwavering dedication to the Qatar National Vision 2030. QRDI Council aims to make Qatar a global innovation hub and a top choice for R&D centers worldwide, seeing RDI as vital for Qatar's growth and prosperity.
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The IFF is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in October 2003 by G20 countries and international organizations including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. DKG is a leading global think tank specializing in AI research and innovation, focusing on fostering advancements in technology, healthcare, and other strategic industries. In a groundbreaking achievement, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has entered the top 150 universities globally for producing AI talent, becoming the highest-ranked university in the Middle East. This success is a direct reflection of Saudi Arabia's aggressive push towards establishing itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence. Saudi Arabia has invested USD 20 billion in partnerships with top universities like Stanford University to build KAUST, which houses one of the world's leading AI research labs. 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In future reports, we plan to explore the development of global AI markets and policy oversight, and we look forward to further in-depth analysis." said Chu Jian, Data Expert at the IFF Research Institute. 'AI talent, in terms of human capital, is the most precious asset for all future economies, which will inevitably intensively depend on AI technology', commented Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner at Deep Knowledge Group. 'Saudi Arabia and the UAE's strategic focus on AI, their significant investments in education, infrastructure, and innovation, and their ability to attract top talent and investments are setting the stage for a new era of growth in the region. Both nations are making substantial strides toward becoming global AI leaders, with the UAE positioning itself as a major player in AI governance and technology, while Saudi Arabia is building a robust ecosystem for AI talent and applications,' added Kaminskiy. Under Saudi Vision 2030, AI has been identified as one of the seven pillars of the Kingdom's economic transformation. The goal is for Saudi Arabia to rank among the top 10 countries in AI research and application by 2030, attracting USD 20 billion in AI investments and creating 200,000 high-tech jobs. Saudi Arabia has established the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to drive the national AI strategy. Major AI projects benefit from an expedited approval process, with decisions typically made within 30 days. Sovereign funds are fueling growth in AI, with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) launching a USD 1.5 billion AI investment fund. The Kingdom is also investing heavily in projects like NEOM, where AI infrastructure accounts for over 30% of the USD 500 billion budget, setting a new standard for smart city development. Saudi Arabia offers AI talent some of the highest salaries globally, with top scientists earning a median annual salary of USD 420,000, tax-free. NEOM also offers up to USD 5 million in signing bonuses for AI leaders, alongside full subsidies for their children's education. As part of its effort to attract the best AI minds, Saudi Arabia has introduced special residency schemes and relaxed cultural restrictions in zones like NEOM, enabling foreign experts to live and work under conditions that blend their lifestyle with the Kingdom's cultural fabric. NEOM's The Line city will be the world's first AI-controlled city, with services like transportation and energy managed entirely by AI. The city's vast data collection and biometric monitoring will provide unparalleled opportunities for real-world AI development. 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